Author : Noémie Voirin

A short but important session 

Global action on plastic pollution took a decisive step forward in Geneva this February. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) met in Geneva for the third part of its fifth session — INC-5.3 — with one clear objective: to elect new officers to guide the final stages of negotiations toward a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. 

Although the session lasted just one day, it marked an important moment in the process. With negotiations entering a decisive phase, delegates highlighted the need for stable and trusted leadership to move the talks forward constructively. 

Electing new leadership 

INC-5.3 followed several months of consultations after changes in the Committee’s leadership. Delegates were tasked with electing a new Chair from three candidates, alongside appointing a Vice-Chair and Rapporteur. 

Many countries initially expressed a preference to reach consensus and elect a Chair by acclamation. Despite additional consultations and pauses in plenary to encourage agreement, consensus could not be achieved. In line with the Committee’s rules of procedure, the INC proceeded to a secret ballot. 

After two rounds of voting, Julio Cordano of Chile was elected as the new Chair of the INC. 

Vice-Chair Johanna Lissinger-Peitz handing the gavel to newly elected INC Chair Julio Cordano. 

What delegates said 

Following the election, delegations across regions congratulated the new Chair and emphasized the integrity and transparency of the process. Several noted that while consensus was not possible, the Committee demonstrated its ability to take responsible collective decisions. 

In his remarks, Chair Cordano underlined that plastic pollution is a planetary challenge, affecting every country and community. He committed to leading the remaining negotiations with flexibility, pragmatism, and a predictable process — key elements for building trust as talks continue. 

The Committee also: 

• Elected Linroy Christian (Antigua and Barbuda) as Vice-Chair by acclamation 

• Designated Irma Gurguliani (Georgia) as Rapporteur 

At Earth Action, we welcome the decision-making clarity established by the Committee – a testament that structured voting can move negotiations forward when consensus stalls. 

Why INC-5.3 matters 

INC-5.3 was not about negotiating treaty text, but it plays a critical role in shaping what comes next. With new leadership in place, the INC can now refocus on its core task: delivering an ambitious and effective global agreement to end plastic pollution. 

This momentum is echoed by the business community. Senior representatives from major global companies and investors, through the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty, recently reiterated the urgent need for a harmonised, legally binding agreement covering the full plastics value chain. They emphasised that clear, consistent rules are essential to unlock investment, scale solutions and drive innovation. 

These signals underscore the importance of collaborative, evidence-based approaches — exactly the work Earth Action continues to support, helping translate political momentum into real-world impact. 

Learn more about our work on plastics at https://www.e-a.earth/for-impact/. 

For official information on the INC process, visit the UN Environment Programme website: https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution.